I believe that you are incorrect about one statement: "There's nothing special about the VW hoses". It is my understanding that VW, like Honda and some other manufactures use better quality materials than typically found in aftermarket hoses. Thirteen years is a long time for most automobile hoses that I have seen during my 20 years in automotive parts and service.

Mark in AK
20 years and counting parts & service

----- Original Message -----
From: John Reynolds <kayakjr@JUNO.COM>
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2003 3:33 pm
Subject: Re: My Advice-  Re: Coolant hose fatigue

> .> VW holds the patents on these hoses and if it wants to it can
> preventany aftermarket manufacturer from making replacement hoses.
>
> There are good reasons to replace your hoses, the above is not one of
> them, or likely true.  I doubt that there are any patents on the
> hoses.A hose with a geometry to fit an engine  is not unique
> enough to get a
> patent.  There's nothing special about the VW hoses, except that
> they are
> shaped for the engine.  2nd reason is even if the hoses were
> covered my a
> patent, the patent would be expired now or expiring shortly.  In 1983,
> the US, the US patent life was 17 years from issue.  In Europe it was
> (and still is and is also for the US now) 21 years from application.
> Because any patent in Europe has to be applied for before any
> exposure to
> the public. it would have been applied for prior to 1983.  Note:
> Patentare not renewable like trademarks.
>
> I'm familar with the above because my company makes all its money from
> patents and trademarks.
>
> So change your hoses, but VW can't stop anyone form making them,
> no only
> economic sense will stop any other company from making them.
>
> John R. (holder of 3 patents)
>